Message from the Mountain

May 2025/ Issue #11

Shiny Things

I am going to date myself here when I ask if you have read Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. The book describes the relationship between a young boy and his two dogs, Little Ann and Big Dan. The story involves the boy's quest to capture a raccoon. His grandfather shows him how to build a trap to catch a raccoon without the use of dogs.

The success of the trap is based on the fact that raccoons are drawn to shiny things, like moths to a flame. If the boy placed a shiny object in the trap, the raccoon will reach into the trap and grab it. Once the raccoon has the shiny object in its paw, it will not let go. Essentially, if the opening of the trap is designed to let the raccoon put its paw in, but once it grabs the shiny object, then it cannot remove its paw, as its paw is too big. The raccoon has to make a choice to either let go of the object and flee to freedom, or hold on to it and be caught. The raccoon always hangs on, and therefore it is captured.

This is a great story to describe how finding a space for Mobility Mountain has become a good challenge. There are a lot of shiny objects out there that are within reach, but there is a price to pay. The clarity to continue on the right path and remained focused can be tough, but at the end of the day, worth the wait. Remembering what we are doing this for, who we are doing this for, why we are doing this, and how we are doing this, will help direct us to where we are doing this.

Spring is in Full Bloom

By Jeffrey Pryor

The boat dock is busy, the campground is buzzing, and the birds and fluttering about. As a volunteer in a campground, owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, I get to experience the slow wind up to Summer. Winter was peaceful in this campground, and being able to walk around and enjoy nature has been a blessing. This peace is what I am promoting with Mobility Mountain. Nature has a way of healing us from within.

I can hear the jet skis and boats on the water now, mixed with the campers enjoying the outdoors. It is like a symphony of happiness for those participating in the activities. Personally, I like the solitude and encroaching nature that happens when no one is around. It's funny how that works. The best nature experience to be had is when there are no humans around to upset the order.

With Mobility Mountain, I would like to offer space and seclusion at the campsites, so there may be a possibility of nature sneaking in from time to time. Finding that peace and sharing it with everyone is my goal. I hope that this next move will yield results in the form of land, where I can begin Making Nature Accessible.